Season Three, Chapter Four
Man of the ClothIn the days following the Daemons, they did manage to scrape some concessions from the Authorities at the Fort and Art and a no longer quite so traumatised Dodger agreed with Zee for part of the State Bounty to go to McAllen and the rest to the Family of his friend Jan, of whom they never did find a single trace ! They had expected the Fort to be more gracious, but an additional patrol weekly was all they’d concede for now despite the death, which they argued this could not be attributed to the Daemons, “With certainty !”
Of more help was Father Fidem, a Priest, running Fort Speakes only School as well as Ministering to its population.
“Been a while since you Gentlemen frequented any educational establishment I’ll wager”, said the Father, “let alone a church !“, seeing off the last of his pupils for the week, “Come, for I do not believe this is a conversation the subject of which is suitable for all manner of ears !”
“What could you know of the purpose of our visit ?” asked Zee incredulously.
“I know you three seek answers to matters of dark doings and the foul creatures’ bought forth to carry them out !”
“How can…. “
“I have could I have ministered to the Guard all these years and not know the gossip at the local Fort ? Come now Gentlemen, what kind of question is that, Captain ?”
To say that caught Zee by surprise would be a gross understatement, for few new of his military career, let alone used his rank in conversation !
“That, Father, was another life, for now Zee will suffice,! Replied Zee, his voice suddenly steely, almost brutal. If looks could kill…..
“This way then Zee, Gentlemen,” indicated Father Fidem, ushering them through to to one of the Churches more private Chapels, where chairs were proffered . “Come Gentlemen, please do take a seat and tell me, how may I be of service ?”
“As you correctly surmised, we do come for answers concerning followers of the Dark Gods, specifically Daemons ! Two like these“, Art pulled a drawing from his pocket and handed it to the Father. The photo’s did….!
“Didn’t develop properly or failed to capture the image, despite several attempts you were trying to say ?And now, even the bodies have vanished, dissolved no ? Back into the Warp-stuff from whence they came !”
“Yes. That’s right. Do you know of these things ?”
The Father rose, excusing himself and left the Chapel, returning forthwith carrying an strange looking tomb with curled pages and that distinctive “Old-Book” aroma. He rested the book on the lectern and called them over,
“These fellows”, he said, pointing to an elaborately edged illustration that matched their Daemons to a T,
“These “Most Foul Beings” are his minions and do bring the Skulls of his enemies on which he might rest and their Blood to anoint his Great Brow. Gentlemen, they are known as Bloodletter’s !” The Father made the sign of the Aquila upon mentioning the word, before continuing, “They are minions, servants if you will. A Lesser Daemon of this God !” He flicked through the pages, “For this chap” he pointed to a hideous picture of a huge creature, similar in form but 10 -20 times larger, sitting atop a throne made entirely from hundreds probably thousands of skulls of all sizes and shapes, but most unmistakably Human.
“He is known a Khorne, God of War and one of the four Dark Gods of Chaos ! Let me try to explain.” the Father too sat down.
“The beings you fought were manifestations‘, a being of pure Warp energy’s physical projection into the Material Universe. A construct given form using the power of their state as Warp Entities. Imagine it as a projected film, where the images are solid. When you destroy the image however, you do not destroy the being itself, no more than destroying a projected image would destroy a film ! The residual form that remained, was the left-over power from the God who invest power themselves in the creation of their minions. That is why all the servants of a particular God bear some features of that God and so all look a little alike. Here, take some time to look through this, I will fetch us a drink, Zee, if you would be so kind as to assist me.”
Zee nodded and the two left Art and Dodge to their study.
“That was a bit below the belt Rodriguez !” Snapped Zee.
“Well you could have been straight with your guys, said you knew me !”
“I do know you, which is precisely why I didn’t. How was I to know what kind of gig you had going down here, cos the shit you used to play with was the sort that stuck !”
“Well you aren’t being straight with your guy’s, why would you of all people need to find out more about Daemon’s, they find a new one you aint fought yet? Oh, no wait, don’t tell me you are still doing the, you are you son of a bitch, you’re still doing the f*%$!ng Guard bit, that Nidd War Vet shit !”
“And you, just when and it what parallel universe did you start polishing the Emperors ring ? More to the point, the reason no-one does the Church when they drop out of sight is the down-side ! Have you seen, hell do you even know the penalty for “Blasphemous Acts ?” I do, had to hand over a few Blasphemers when I was working the Imperial. Picked up this one guy where the Officio Assassinorum and The Adeptus Ministorum had joint jurisdiction. Now this guy had fallen foul of the Officio Assassinorum before and as we know, the Assassins are not the best people to get on the wrong side of, but this guy is begging me to hand him over to them rather than the Ecclesiarchy. He was saying he’d rather go to the Clades than the Church !”
“Guess he didn’t have these then !”, at which ‘Father’ Rodriguez pulled a couple of Data Wafers from his vestments and handed them to Zee, the look on who’s face went slowly from one of concern to intense scrutiny, then dismay !
“We have both done some pretty low down scum sucking things in our time Rod, but. Huh, huh,” Zee half-heartedly laughed, “But we could say, “At least I’ve never worked for the Church !” Guess that just applies to me now”, Zee said, flipping the Data Wafers too the floor in disgust.
“Why Rod, what was so bad that the Ecclesiarchy looked better ? What was worse than the Church, I mean I‘m struggling here to find a reason, hell I want to find a reason I really do, but it ‘aint coming ?
The only “Lie“ I‘ve told my boys, hell even then it‘s just the young Lad as I‘ve known him less than two years and it‘s hard to get your head around for a grown man, is what part of the Imperial‘s I was with and the facts as to why them and I parted company. He knows I‘m a killer, that’s what we do in the Bounty business when our powers of persuasion fail an all. We bag-em and tag-em. Now that ’aint a whole heap of deception, not for me at any rate, and I can sleep some nights now. But the Church ? Hell - man, that’s some serious shite, given your day jobs teaching kiddies, kissing babies and comforting widows like its no big deal ?
So come-on Rod, help me out here, when was your epiphany, was it like having ‘The Emperor’ his self tap you on the shoulder ? Saint Rod, since you have killed so many, how’s about saving some, Iv…..”
Zee was off his feet without even seeing the fist that connected solidly with his jaw, but he was not so off guard he wasn’t able to hook Father Rodriguez’s legs out from under him on the way down and spin across, jamming his combat blade against the Priests throat !
Rolling aside, Zee sheathed his knife, rubbing his chin as he sat up.
“Son of a, you still work it then Rod !”
“And you still don’t know when to shut up ! It ever occur to that cynical mind of yours that I might have actually seen the light ? After Jo was killed I lost the plot some. Realised I had nothing, that my life was just “empty”! There was no-one gave a rats-arse if I was alive or Dead, cept bad men who paid me to do bad things worrying they might have to find someone who’d cost more ! I had no Family, no Friends, except you, and you were about less and less until one day you just never showed. They found you kit and your ID and enough of a body that was a DNA match, and so assumed you’d worked that last one too many or someone from your past had caught up with you and that was it, you were officially MIA, then in 6 months “Dead !”
But they never found “Lizzie“, nothing at your gaff no bits of her with you, nothing unusual there most would think, except you had no Ammo with you, no empties and no clips, no mag’s belt’s or drums ? That’s what convinced me all was not as it seemed even though that was the only mistake you’d made, otherwise for all intents and purpose’s you had disappeared perfectly ! Not a trace of you to be found. I had a drink to wish you farewell that lasted right through to the Autumn, until two Monks found me, inebriated, beat-up, robbed and not in the best of health. Took them 4 months to get me back fighting fit, and then I stayed behind for a further 4 months working on the Farm and helping teach, figured that would pay my debt to them for, well for basically “saving my shabby hide“. Also, forever with the angle, started off with the idea I may need patching up again some time, and if my slates clean it‘s not so hard to ask a 2nd time. Thing was, longer I stayed, less I wanted to leave. Three square a day and after the first month I was not looking over my shoulder at every turn. Found I had a gift with the Kid‘s too, being a big one for so long myself I suppose. Seemed to be able to get through even to the toughest of them, so they asked me to stay on you see, and weeks became months, the months became a year and here I am now six years down the line a fully fledged Priest. First time I ever chose to do something rather than it be something I was left doing.” Rod suddenly looked a good deal older than Zee remembered.
“Here, there’s me droning on, forgive my poor hospitality, think you‘ll like this !” With which Father Rodriguez poured Zee a mug of a very sweet and invigorating home-brewed herbal “Tea” from a large stoneware flask left warming by the fire. Then he was gone for a few moments whilst he delivered two mugs of the same to Art and Dodger.
Zee rubbed his chin, Rod’s right arm had lost done of it’s clout that was sure, but he had asked for that one. Provoked a response to see where the “Old Rod” lay.
“Thank you !” Zee said to Father Rodriguez on his return.
“They’re a good couple to have by you in all weathers and we’ve built ourselves a nice little business, mainly private calls through Fort Speake and all essentially
kosher. I found being “Dead” was fine but “Skint” sucked, this keeps good food on the table and a Speeder in the air.
Reason we’re here, Art’s seen Daemon’s, but not this close, the Lad Dodger had never seen them before and is understandably rattled.
“That’s why you are going to give him this !” said Zee pulling a waxed-paper parcel from an inside pocket and handing it to Father Rodriguez.
“Whoa ! You do not see many of those these day’s. Wont ask where you came by it. What an exceptional gift, you know it’s a ward, offers protection against magic’s intended to harm the bearer and I have seen or rather felt one work once. Guy was standing there in a torrent of witch-fire and didn’t get so much as a singed eye-brow. A lot depends upon the power of the blessing and a good one should have a very faint blue….“ Father Rodriguez’s words failed him as when cupped upright in his hand, Zee’s “Medallion” gave off a piercing blue light, before reverting to a steady glow.
“Like that ?“ said Zee.
“Just like that !“ agreed Rod, “Who blessed that, the Emperor himself ?” and the two men laughed as Rod delicately re-wrapped the Medallion, sliding it into his breast pocket.
“What a truly wonderful gift. Friendship always was important to you ! If that does not restore his faith and awaken his courage, can’t think what will !“ So finishing their Tea, the two men returned to Art and Dodger who were still leafing fervently through the ancient tome Father Rodriguez had left them to study !
“They sure fit the bill Zee, looks like we banished our first “Bloodletter’s”! Guess we can add “Banishing Daemon’s” to the Company blurb eh fella’s, sounds good don’t you reckon ?”
“Aye, sure does, but as with all things new, a fresh opponent requires fresh weaponry, and Father Rodriguez here is just the man for that. If you would Father !”
“Master Dodger, if you would be so kind as to kneel in the sight of the Emperor”, Father Rodriguez gestured to the bas-relief of the Emperor, whilst reaching inside his vestments as Dodger, somewhat self-consciously knelt.
“My son, for reaching out on our most glorious Masters behalf to strike down those that would prey upon the very souls of his subjects I hereby do award you his sign, so all those that do cast their eyes upon it will know upon who’s authority you act and who’s blessing is upon you in all such noble acts you do perform upon his behalf !
Hence forth you are now his Herald, an Agent of the Emperor in all you do, and that upon accepting his Authority, you will live your life in accordance to his will ! What say you ?”
“I will live my life in accordance to his will !” replied Dodger, beaming with pride and then with a look of awe, as Father Rodriguez hung the “Sign of the Emperor” on its gold chain round his neck and it glowed an even fiercer Blue as he let it fall to rest against the lads chest.
“May he watch over you and your in all that you do, and give you strength when all mortal strength may fail ! Arise, and go forth as an Agent of the Emperor !”
Art and Zee applauded for all their worth, and Father Rodriguez embraced Dodger, whispering in his ear,
“I know you will make him proud, and you are amongst good friends whom I know are also most proud of what you have accomplished . For to banish a Daemon is a great deed, but what is infinitely more, by so doing you banished your own fear, and that is one of the mightiest deeds a man could ever hope to achieve !”Then, holding Dodger’s hand high, Father Rodriguez exclaimed,
“For this is now a man that has gazed at the truly foul form of the enemy, a form with one singular purpose, to strike fear into the souls of man. But this man before us today has met that gaze and with the belief in the righteousness of his cause and the courage of his friends, has struck-down that which sought to bring harm to those who are mild and meek, too weak to fight such a monstrous evil who would prey upon them ! For this is truly a Noble-Man !”
More applause and congratulations, and the Tea was soon replaced with wine and more glasses as the odd member of Father Rodriguez‘s Congregation called by. All were eagerly introduced to the “Daemon-Slayer” and regaled with tales of great daring, the kind of tales Zee had hoped Dodge would hear and that these might come to mind again when all other hopes seem lost ! For these would become the bed-rock of a newly carved “courage” and hard earned “Belief-in-Self” that would serve him well in times to come, for something had already assured Zee that this was far from over. If anything, it felt more like they were at a beginning, and whatever way you sized it up, it did not look good !
“Dodger, or should that be Sir Dodger” laughed Zee with a mock bow.
“I trust that gift will serve you as well as it did those whom before it shielded against the fell magic’s of Chaos my friend, ! Also, as I like to think I’m a man of my word, a little something for when it gets up tight and personal until we finesse your style with a close-combat weapon ! Here,” Zee handed Dodge another package, “From Art and I as a solid, “Welcome to the Firm”! Your names on the letter heads, in fact all the stationary and advertising, so here’s your cards !”
Dodge opened the package, and indeed, his name was on their business cards, but also, as part of “To our good friend and Associate, Art n’ Zee” intricately engraved into the stock of a very fine Mars Pattern Mark IV Command Laspistol ! So fine, it looked as though it had never fired a single shot in anger.“Thought that was the one for you and I’ve made Zee promise he’ll not blow this one up Dodge. Welcome to the Firm, as of now you are a full 1/3 rd Partner ! That’s capitol, assets, property and debts !”And the three enjoyed a well earned joke, in the face of a new beginning, one that was going to warrant a whole new take upon their situation !
That night, the almost second thoughts nature of their weekly strategic planning meeting took on an all together far more formal air ! It also for the first time ever, had set out four chairs’! The fourth had to be unbolted from “Eileen II” , as interior décor was no-ones strong point and they had no fourth chair. Visitors were a rarity indeed ! At 8.30 pm precisely, the internal com went. “Access requested at South-Eastern Quadrant Gate No.3, Single-Male, no weaponry detected. Compound Scan indicates the following: £rd finger-left hand a Cyborg replacement. Legal/registered repair, Parts No‘s, RT 111784, 111785, 111.” …Zee hits fast forward…. “ Beta-thymine 0.7 microgram’s in susp…” and again “….XENIX Acid, residual. ++end+++ . Finally, I mean there is secure and ridiculously secure. Right, try to get this the first time !“ Mumbled a clearly agitated Zee.
“Security Code Alpha 04903070b - Suspend - Reduce internal to Delta - @ incapacitate - Continue to run enhanced Alpha on external - Confirm Alpha 04903070b. “ How I really miss just saying Hi !” Mused Zee pushing another button, one that flipped the control panel, leaving an unremarkable pict in it’s wake, a Black and White of “Eileen II” half way through restoration. This one saw her stripped to the skeletal frame-work which Art, pictured standing to the side with welding mask up and oxy-acetylene torch in hand, had just illegally lengthened. He had also added a third seat and optional internal stowage or room for a fourth seat. They could have gone for a larger Speeder, but it was quite a gap to the next level, one with a lot more HP and therefore a great deal heavier, noisier and altogether larger and so less discrete, not at all what they wanted. It also used a different registration technique, meaning it was less likely to get lost in the teaming requests for domestic vehicle registration. Cogitators’ had made un-registered or false registration instantly recognisable and so pointless, though you could get away with alterations to what you had to some degree, and that was all the window Art needed to get through !
“Evening Gentlemen” said Father Rodriguez with mock flourish, in response to which Zee arose to do the honours.
“Dodger you know and Art I’m sure you remember, guys, this is Father “Fidem” Rodriguez, ex Imperial, ex one of our types, not good with false names and way more comfortable with Father Rod. Anymore you want to know you could Cogitate, but it would be far quicker, not to mention polite to ask. Next FAQ, can I trust him’ this is like “for real” and if I can’t, I could wind up dead ! Hell, you could skip that question with “Hey, do we even need this chump ?” We have managed thus far with three and yeah, there are now Daemons, but as we’ve seen Daemon’s go down and there are big books about them and entire sections on the “Unsanctified” sections of the “Cogitative Portal”* on how to nail their scaly, unholy-arses !
*Bit like the legal and in some less forward thinking Countries the - boo-hiss grossly unfair, denier of freedom of speech -“Illegal” internet
“To address those in order, I have known Father Rodriguez, Rod and you “son-of-a-bitch !” for some years. That has been through some thick and thin times and I have never once called for help and it gone un-answered ! If that is how you measure “Trust”, then I trust him 100%.
Second. Do we need him, as we can get info from “The Dove” now, faster and better than ever and from every Cogitative Portal in the Land, straight to our VDU’s, or when Art’s latest work is complete, to our HUD’s, Head-up-Displays, in other words, straight to our helmets with no middle man !
But, as all of us know, knowing the path, is not the same as walking the path, never was, never will be ! Cogitators can give you all the information, but that is their limit, they can give you every minute detail but still fail to give you an answer ! No, its more than information that’s required, what’s also needed is experience of the enemy, and that is one thing Father Rodriguez has in spades.
There is also no guarantee that he would want in for this one anyway, as before right now, as my allegiance is to the two of you above all other considerations, I’ve not asked him ! Questions as I’m done “ And with that Zee sat back,
“Strikes me we have little to lose” said Dodge. “Seems to me that if we don’t find the source of these Daemons and put a stop to it, chance s are when there are enough of them they’ll find us, so the only real choice is do we go for it, or find another planet, for I cant imagine they’d stop with Fort Speake and think, ah job well done lad‘s, lets settle here for a bit !”“”Eileen II” will take an extra seat “ was Art’s considered reply, economical but full. “But before I bolt it in, I’d like to be sure we can work together as a Team !”
“Understood,” said Zee. “So we take the Father on something prior, to see if he is the round peg for our round hole. A Rookie-Run !” At which all eyes turned to the Father.
“Well Gentlemen, it would appear you have me at your advantage. I do have one consideration though, I need to be sure that the Church can cover my duties, for as I explained to Zee, this is no rouse on my part, the Children need a teacher and the Church a Priest as minister to the congregation and offer spiritual guidance to the community. That my absence not be disruptive is my one caveat !”
“Best you get hold of your.. Bishop is it to ask for time-out ? Said Zee. “Then I suggest we reconvene in one week from today to see what gives. I’ll leave the outfitting of “Eileen II” for you to discuss with Art, your handedness etc. Talk with Dodger about you equipment needs, I’m sure he can fill much of it from our stock and then arrange the procurement of any “additional items”. Just try to refrain from anything to eye-catching or exotic, and he has a good head for figures, so don’t go taking the proverbial ! If there is anywhere we should not go and people we should not meet, then you need to make that clear to me before I select our “trip“ and should there be any difficulties these two cannot overcome, which I sincerely doubt, you bring them and an explanation to me, then the three of us will make the call !”
Mk
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